KRUSS Scientific Instruments, Inc.

As international experts in surface and interfacial chemistry, Krüss develops and manufactures highly precise solutions for contact angle measurement, tensiometry, and foam analysis. We also pride ourselves on providing unparalleled expertise through consultation and education in research, development and quality control laboratories worldwide.

Press Releases

Spinning Drop Tensiometer – SDT

Our Spinning Drop Tensiometer – SDT measures interfacial tension with a high degree of accuracy and a particularly wide measuring range. The SDT is the ideal solution for the quality control and development of emulsions and surfactants thanks to its enormous bandwidth, small sample volumes and simple handling during preparation. Exact capture of extremely low interfacial tensions also makes the SDT an instrument particularly well-suited for analyzing the interfacial behavior of mini emulsions and micro emulsions, for example for tertiary oil recovery or the pharmaceutical branch.

Exact rotation, image evaluation and drop positioning

With the spinning drop method, measuring of the interfacial tension is carried out by analyzing the video image of a drop surrounded by fluid in a rotating capillary.The accuracy of the video analysis and the rotational speed are decisive for the precision of the spinning drop method. That is why a high-resolution USB3 camera and an exactly controlled precision motor with excellent speed constancy are among the most important components of the SDT, combined with the intelligent and robust image evaluation algorithms of the software ADVANCE. In order to make observing a running measurement obsolete, the drop can be kept in the center of the video image automatically using the Drop Positioning function of ADVANCE.

In addition to the standard Vonnegut method, the ADVANCE software’s spectrum of methods also encompasses an evaluation of the drop shape in accordance with Young-Laplace. This makes it possible to work at a slower rotational speed and so expands the range of the instrument allowing easy measurement of high interfacial tensions. A further advantage of this method lies in its robustness.

Ergonomically designed, safety-ensuring housing

Completely novel in respect to the spinning drop technique is that all components, including the rotating capillary, are enclosed in a sturdy, closed housing. This virtually eliminates the risk of injury while the design with its clearly highlighted control elements makes working with the instrument very easy. The tilting and the camera position are motor-controlled while the camera itself is protected by a special recess that accommodates it in its park position.

Innovations for speedy sample preparation

One of the outstanding features of our SDT lies in the especially simple procedure for changing the samples. The novel concept for preparing the capillary, which has two patents filed by KRÜSS, significantly reduces the often laborious preparation otherwise involved in a spinning drop measurement. It also abolishes the need of regularly changing a septum which is normally required. The capillary is first filled with surrounding liquid while dismounted. Its specially shaped cap also serves as a holder for the drop liquid which enters the capillary when the cap is closed. With just one simple click the capillary is then placed in its holder.

Efficient and flexible temperature control

The speedy capillary changeover is achieved not least by the forgoing of a liquid temperature control, which at the same time saves the need for an additional thermostat. The integrated electric heater controls the target temperature quickly and accurately and is characterized by its high temperature stability. A cryostat can also be connected for analyses carried out at below room temperature. An accurate infrared sensor measures the temperature contactless and relays the thermal conditions very close to the drop.

Software with a new workflow-orientated operating concept

Our ADVANCE software focuses on simple automation and intuitive operability. The relevant functions for each particular step are arranged in tiles which display all elements necessary. By forgoing the use of menus and pop-ups, ADVANCE saves any unnecessary clicks and time-consuming searches for hidden elements.

Measuring with our Spinning Drop Tensiometer – SDT is completely software-controlled and uses prepared and easily adaptable procedures. ADVANCE automatically assigns every measured value to its associated drop image and presents it in the video tile. There is no need for the time-consuming saving, loading and management of image files.

Tasks and applications

Development of emulsions

Enhanced oil recovery (EOR)

Bioavailability of drugs

Surfactant research

Adsorption properties at phase boundaries

Measuring methods and options

Measurement of interfacial tension in a wide range starting from 10-6 mN/m

Drop Shape Analyzer – DSA100HP

Wetting and surface tension under extreme pressures and temperatures

Our DSA100HP is our high-quality solution for the precise measurement of contact angle and surface tension and interfacial tension under high pressures and temperatures, primarily for tertiary oil recovery. The DSA100HP combines our Drop Shape Analyzer – DSA100 for optical drop shape analysis with a high-quality measuring cell for high-pressure applications up to 1750bar. It determines the surface tension, and analyzes the wetting of oil-bearing rock by surfactant solutions under the extreme pressure and temperature conditions found in reservoirs. The results help in the extraction of oil from layers of rock in the most effective manner using tertiary oil recovery (EOR) methods such as steam or surfactant flooding, and thereby increase the yield. The instrument equally reliably measures the wettability by gases which liquidize under pressure, for example for optimizing extraction processes with carbon dioxide.

Investigations under storage conditions for crude oil

The accurate and easy-to-use dosing units of our high-quality DSA100HP measuring system dispense drops onto solid samples in order to measure the wetting at high pressures and temperatures based on the contact angle. The instrument also enables measurements to be carried out on solids in a surrounding oil phase. The result shows how well the oil can be extracted from the rock by wetting the rock with an aqueous phase.

The precise measurement of surface tension under storage conditions using the DSA100HP is very informative in the characterization of a surfactant solution which is used for flooding a crude oil reservoir. This should be as low as possible to ensure that the rock is well wetted. The interfacial tension between oil and flooding solution, which can likewise be measured with high precision, should also be as low as possible to enable the oil to be mobilized by the aqueous phase. The measurement results help to optimize oil-water emulsions in order to realize the full potential of a reservoir.

Wettability by liquefied gases during extraction

Thanks to an external gas connection, our DSA100HP is likewise outstandingly suitable for measuring wetting by supercritical carbon dioxide. Wetting of the solid plays a major role in extraction processes which use this pressure-liquefied gas. The extraction process, for example the decaffeination of coffee, can be optimized with the help of wetting measurements carried out with the DSA100HP.

The optimal configuration for your requirements

Measuring instruments up to 40 bar and up to 690 bar, in each case at temperatures up to 200 °C, cover the low to medium pressure range. The new, heatable Mini Dosing System – MDS, which requires only a low sample volume and is distinguished by particularly easy handling and cleaning, is available for these versions. The measuring range is substantially extended with the third variant up to 1750 bar at up to 250 °C. This will enable you to obtain reliable data even under extreme reservoir conditions.

We would be pleased to develop customized solutions to suit your exact requirements and measurement tasks.

Tasks and applications

Surface tension of surfactant solutions and their interfacial tension with oil under storage conditions

Mobile Surface Analyzer – MSA

Measuring surface free energy in a second with only one click

Our innovative Mobile Surface Analyzer – MSA measures surface free energy with two liquids, fully automatically and mobile using our new “One-Click SFE” method. The MSA doses two parallel drops with one click, followed by the direct analysis of the contact angles and the derived results of the surface free energy. All steps are automated and happen within a second. The results enable well-founded statements about wettability by aqueous or organic liquids. The MSA supports you in your quality assurance in the pre-treatment and coating of solid materials in an ideal way.

Our innovative, specially developed double dosing system doses two parallel drops within milliseconds, with high volume precision and minimal kinetic energy. This simultaneous dosing of two drops obviates the need to change the test liquid during the material analysis, as is the case with conventional dosing units. The contactless method prevents unwanted touching of the sample with possible contamination or damage.

Cartridges that can easily be refilled outside the instrument make for simple operation of the dosing system. Fully charged, the handy instrument is capable of dosing 1,000 droplets of each liquid.

We have developed an alternative dosing solution which uses conventional disposable syringes for liquids that require extensive cleaning effort such as adhesives, inks or paints. The conversion to this automatic syringe dosing module is done very quickly.

Simple in operation and flexible in use

The MSA is preferably used with a notebook. Due to the USB power connection, its low weight and small footprint the MSA is ideal for the mobile and non-destructive quality control. The instrument analyses samples of any size, such as automobile bodies. It provides reliable values even for vertical, overhead and slightly convex samples.

Our modern, intuitive ADVANCE software automatically calculates the surface free energy based on proven and meaningful scientific models. For example, information gained about the polarity of the surface provides a reliable indication of the effect of activation by such methods as plasma treatment.

The precise measurement and scientific evaluation are performed with a single button click. Thus, measurement errors due to incorrect operation are virtually ruled out.

Tasks and applications

Measurement on large workpieces and finished products such as automobile parts

Determination of the wettability of solid materials before coating or bonding

Products

Spinning Drop Tensiometer- SDT

SDT measures low interfacial tension with a high degree of accuracy and a particularly wide measuring range. The SDT is the ideal solution for the quality control and development of emulsions and surfactants.... More Info Less Info

Spinning Drop Tensiometer – SDT

Our Spinning Drop Tensiometer – SDT measures interfacial tension with a high degree of accuracy and a particularly wide measuring range. The SDT is the ideal solution for the quality control and development of emulsions and surfactants thanks to its enormous bandwidth, small sample volumes and simple handling during preparation. Exact capture of extremely low interfacial tensions also makes the SDT an instrument particularly well-suited for analyzing the interfacial behavior of mini emulsions and micro emulsions, for example for tertiary oil recovery or the pharmaceutical branch.

Exact rotation, image evaluation and drop positioning

With the spinning drop method, measuring of the interfacial tension is carried out by analyzing the video image of a drop surrounded by fluid in a rotating capillary.The accuracy of the video analysis and the rotational speed are decisive for the precision of the spinning drop method. That is why a high-resolution USB3 camera and an exactly controlled precision motor with excellent speed constancy are among the most important components of the SDT, combined with the intelligent and robust image evaluation algorithms of the software ADVANCE. In order to make observing a running measurement obsolete, the drop can be kept in the center of the video image automatically using the Drop Positioning function of ADVANCE.

In addition to the standard Vonnegut method, the ADVANCE software’s spectrum of methods also encompasses an evaluation of the drop shape in accordance with Young-Laplace. This makes it possible to work at a slower rotational speed and so expands the range of the instrument allowing easy measurement of high interfacial tensions. A further advantage of this method lies in its robustness.

Ergonomically designed, safety-ensuring housing

Completely novel in respect to the spinning drop technique is that all components, including the rotating capillary, are enclosed in a sturdy, closed housing. This virtually eliminates the risk of injury while the design with its clearly highlighted control elements makes working with the instrument very easy. The tilting and the camera position are motor-controlled while the camera itself is protected by a special recess that accommodates it in its park position.

Innovations for speedy sample preparation

One of the outstanding features of our SDT lies in the especially simple procedure for changing the samples. The novel concept for preparing the capillary, which has two patents filed by KRÜSS, significantly reduces the often laborious preparation otherwise involved in a spinning drop measurement. It also abolishes the need of regularly changing a septum which is normally required. The capillary is first filled with surrounding liquid while dismounted. Its specially shaped cap also serves as a holder for the drop liquid which enters the capillary when the cap is closed. With just one simple click the capillary is then placed in its holder.

Efficient and flexible temperature control

The speedy capillary changeover is achieved not least by the forgoing of a liquid temperature control, which at the same time saves the need for an additional thermostat. The integrated electric heater controls the target temperature quickly and accurately and is characterized by its high temperature stability. A cryostat can also be connected for analyses carried out at below room temperature. An accurate infrared sensor measures the temperature contactless and relays the thermal conditions very close to the drop.

Software with a new workflow-orientated operating concept

Our ADVANCE software focuses on simple automation and intuitive operability. The relevant functions for each particular step are arranged in tiles which display all elements necessary. By forgoing the use of menus and pop-ups, ADVANCE saves any unnecessary clicks and time-consuming searches for hidden elements.

Measuring with our Spinning Drop Tensiometer – SDT is completely software-controlled and uses prepared and easily adaptable procedures. ADVANCE automatically assigns every measured value to its associated drop image and presents it in the video tile. There is no need for the time-consuming saving, loading and management of image files.

Our DSA100HP is our high-quality solution for the precise measurement of contact angle and surface tension and interfacial tension under high pressures and temperatures, primarily for tertiary oil recovery.... More Info Less Info

Drop Shape Analyzer – DSA100HP

Wetting and surface tension under extreme pressures and temperatures

Our DSA100HP is our high-quality solution for the precise measurement of contact angle and surface tension and interfacial tension under high pressures and temperatures, primarily for tertiary oil recovery. The DSA100HP combines our Drop Shape Analyzer – DSA100 for optical drop shape analysis with a high-quality measuring cell for high-pressure applications up to 1750bar. It determines the surface tension, and analyzes the wetting of oil-bearing rock by surfactant solutions under the extreme pressure and temperature conditions found in reservoirs. The results help in the extraction of oil from layers of rock in the most effective manner using tertiary oil recovery (EOR) methods such as steam or surfactant flooding, and thereby increase the yield. The instrument equally reliably measures the wettability by gases which liquidize under pressure, for example for optimizing extraction processes with carbon dioxide.

Investigations under storage conditions for crude oil

The accurate and easy-to-use dosing units of our high-quality DSA100HP measuring system dispense drops onto solid samples in order to measure the wetting at high pressures and temperatures based on the contact angle. The instrument also enables measurements to be carried out on solids in a surrounding oil phase. The result shows how well the oil can be extracted from the rock by wetting the rock with an aqueous phase.

The precise measurement of surface tension under storage conditions using the DSA100HP is very informative in the characterization of a surfactant solution which is used for flooding a crude oil reservoir. This should be as low as possible to ensure that the rock is well wetted. The interfacial tension between oil and flooding solution, which can likewise be measured with high precision, should also be as low as possible to enable the oil to be mobilized by the aqueous phase. The measurement results help to optimize oil-water emulsions in order to realize the full potential of a reservoir.

Wettability by liquefied gases during extraction

Thanks to an external gas connection, our DSA100HP is likewise outstandingly suitable for measuring wetting by supercritical carbon dioxide. Wetting of the solid plays a major role in extraction processes which use this pressure-liquefied gas. The extraction process, for example the decaffeination of coffee, can be optimized with the help of wetting measurements carried out with the DSA100HP.

The optimal configuration for your requirements

Measuring instruments up to 40 bar and up to 690 bar, in each case at temperatures up to 200 °C, cover the low to medium pressure range. The new, heatable Mini Dosing System – MDS, which requires only a low sample volume and is distinguished by particularly easy handling and cleaning, is available for these versions. The measuring range is substantially extended with the third variant up to 1750 bar at up to 250 °C. This will enable you to obtain reliable data even under extreme reservoir conditions.

We would be pleased to develop customized solutions to suit your exact requirements and measurement tasks.

Tasks and applications

Surface tension of surfactant solutions and their interfacial tension with oil under storage conditions

Mobile Surface Analyzer – MSA

Measuring surface free energy in a second with only one click

Our innovative Mobile Surface Analyzer – MSA measures surface free energy with two liquids, fully automatically and mobile using our new “One-Click SFE” method. The MSA doses two parallel drops with one click, followed by the direct analysis of the contact angles and the derived results of the surface free energy. All steps are automated and happen within a second. The results enable well-founded statements about wettability by aqueous or organic liquids. The MSA supports you in your quality assurance in the pre-treatment and coating of solid materials in an ideal way.

Our innovative, specially developed double dosing system doses two parallel drops within milliseconds, with high volume precision and minimal kinetic energy. This simultaneous dosing of two drops obviates the need to change the test liquid during the material analysis, as is the case with conventional dosing units. The contactless method prevents unwanted touching of the sample with possible contamination or damage.

Cartridges that can easily be refilled outside the instrument make for simple operation of the dosing system. Fully charged, the handy instrument is capable of dosing 1,000 droplets of each liquid.

We have developed an alternative dosing solution which uses conventional disposable syringes for liquids that require extensive cleaning effort such as adhesives, inks or paints. The conversion to this automatic syringe dosing module is done very quickly.

Simple in operation and flexible in use

The MSA is preferably used with a notebook. Due to the USB power connection, its low weight and small footprint the MSA is ideal for the mobile and non-destructive quality control. The instrument analyses samples of any size, such as automobile bodies. It provides reliable values even for vertical, overhead and slightly convex samples.

Our modern, intuitive ADVANCE software automatically calculates the surface free energy based on proven and meaningful scientific models. For example, information gained about the polarity of the surface provides a reliable indication of the effect of activation by such methods as plasma treatment.

The precise measurement and scientific evaluation are performed with a single button click. Thus, measurement errors due to incorrect operation are virtually ruled out.

Tasks and applications

Measurement on large workpieces and finished products such as automobile parts

Determination of the wettability of solid materials before coating or bonding